Ghana has deported three Israeli nationals in a direct tit-for-tat move after Israel detained seven Ghanaian travelers at Ben-Gurion Airport and deported three of them earlier this week, triggering a sudden diplomatic storm between two countries that usually enjoy warm ties.

According to Ghana’s Foreign Ministry, the incident began when seven Ghanaians – including four MPs headed to an international cybersecurity conference in Tel Aviv and one Christian pilgrim – were held for hours at Ben-Gurion, with three ultimately removed from Israel. Accra accused Israeli authorities of “inhumane” and “traumatic” treatment and “deliberate targeting” of its citizens without just cause.